Sunday, May 01, 2011

Opinion, Not Fact

Without making a formal prediction, let me just say I will be very surprised if the Celtics do not eliminate the Heat in their playoff series, and somewhat less but still surprised if the series goes the limit.

Close study of Miami's opening-round victory over the 76ers reveals that the Heat's end-of-game problem remains critical. When Miami needs a basket, it still also needs a clue. Dwayne Wade and LeBron James spend precious and interminable seconds staring at the defense deciding which of them will go one-on-one against three guys, while their teammates just stare, occasionally throwing up the odd (in both senses) three-point attempt to remind themselves they're still on the court.

As a formula for failure against a capable defensive team, that one's tough to improve upon. And I haven't even gotten to Rajon Rondo yet.